from the MOAR-EAGLES! dept

Our Seized Tee and DMCA Tee have both been very popular, so we're definitely looking for your input on new t-shirt ideas—but we're also interested in whatever else you dream up! For now, we want to dedicate this thread to physical Techdirt gear—we'll be launching another thread in the future to discuss the new blog features and subscription packages. There are a few ideas already there, both for new products and for variations on our existing lineup. Head on over and help us decide what we should offer next.

Remember, you need an account to vote and comment on Step2, but your Techdirt account works there too.

Shilling?

Two 'sock puppet' ideas:

First, the physical item:

No idea if it would be feasible, but a 'Pirate Mike Sock Puppet' would be an awesome thing to add to the store. Thing would be simple enough, just a standard sock puppet, with say an eye-patch on it, and a mini-cd attached/drawn on the side.

And the digital item:

Either a one time buy, or something for a reoccurring subscription, this one would be a little account icon of an eye-patch bedecked sockpuppet. In the same space that the 'Insider' line is, replace it with 'Yarr!' or something along those lines.

Might be a little too detailed for such a tiny icon though, not sure.

Anyway, just two ideas inspired by the troll 'argument' they always seem to fall back on, seems like they'd be a great way to turn an already laughable thing even funnier.

Remember, you need an account to vote and comment on Step2, but your Techdirt account works there too.

Nice move Dr. Frankenstein. Still trying to reanimate the dead I see. Just curious; how many new comments did Masnick get on his, "exceptionally successful, and rather high profile effort with a well known partner" after his last articles pleading with people to participate in Step2?

Re: Some ideas...

They could get away with some MAFIAA stuff, but calling out RIAA/MPAA won't end well.

Trying to work off your MAFIAA angle...
Perhaps some silhouettes similar to a Charlie's Angels pose representing the three AA's. They could have emblems on the silhouettes of a tape, a DVD (or film reel) and a book, or just be holding them like weapons. And of course instead of Charlie's Angels it would just read MAFIAA.

"Techdirt" logo across the center with two round images below it featuring a blue circle with LOL and a blue circle with a yellow light bulb. One the back: "LOL and Insightful can be found at techdirt.com" (and in tiny print below this line: "Anonymous Cowards read at your own risk")

Re:

"Nice move Dr. Frankenstein. Still trying to reanimate the dead I see. Just curious; how many new comments did Masnick get on his, "exceptionally successful, and rather high profile effort with a well known partner" after his last articles pleading with people to participate in Step2?"

Quoted for a response. Still trying to figure out who the big partner was, they were nowhere to be seen.

Re: Re: Re:

"Remember, you need an account to vote and comment on Step2, but your Techdirt account works there too."

Leigh Beadon, I enjoy being able to convey and express myself. I don't mind having to log in to do it as quite a few of you have gotten to know me and how I write. I have one question about all this. Will it be a requirement for a monthly fee to comment and vote?

I don't know why you can't just admit defeat. Despite the many entreaties, there are a total of 36 comment and/or responses on Step2. And sixteen of them are by TD staff- mostly you. Step2 is a flop. People can't be bothered with it, yet you continuously flog people to go there and participate. Why? I don't understand how TD can criticize the industry for continuing to push DVD's against the interest and wishes of their consumers, while TD does the same with Step2. The whole things drips with hypocrisy.

You got a number of suggestions right here. What is the need to drive this discussion to Step2, other than for life support?